The Music Video Agreement defines a music video as an audiovisual product that contains as its underlying audio track a sound recording produced under the SAG-AFTRA Sound Recordings Code, and a visual element of the type traditionally produced for exhibition on cable television or made available for digital distribution via Internet streaming and/or download.

The SAG-AFTRA Sound Recordings Code covers sound recordings on digital, CDs, vinyl, etc., and includes all music formats as well as audiobooks, cast albums, and any other sound recording utilizing vocal performance. The Code not only covers singers, but announcers, actors, comedians, narrators, and sound effects artists as well.

Television

No

Step 0

Producers who sign with SAG-AFTRA have access to the world's most talented and professional performers for their projects, but becoming signatory does require completing some paperwork.

Learn more about the process with a step-by-step guide. Chose your project:

Prior to auditions, prior to casting, prior to production, to use a SAG-AFTRA member in a commercial, there must be a SAG-AFTRA signatory attached to the project. The signatory could be an advertising agency or an advertiser. If a signatory is not already attached and you would like your company to become a signatory, complete a Preliminary Information Sheet.

The Theatrical Agreement applies to those films-that are shooting outside of the United States-with a total budget greater than $2,500,000.

Business Rep

Sound Recordings

No

Step 1

The Code applies to artists who work at scale and overscale, and who appear as both royalty and non-royalty artists. In addition, some artists may be royalty artists for their own recordings, but qualify as non-royalty artists when they appear on other artists’ recordings.

Sound Recordings

No

Step 2

The Sound Recordings Code has been in existence since the early 1950s.Today, more than 600 companies are signed to it, including the three major labels: Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and most of their subsidiary labels.

PRE-PRODUCTION

Yes

Step 2

Required Documents

A SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will contact you and provide you with a packet of forms. Complete and return the following five documents from your packet:

Prior to auditions, prior to casting, prior to production, to use a SAG-AFTRA member in a music video, a SAG-AFTRA signatory must be attached to the project. The signatory is generally the owner of the material being produced and will remain financially responsible for any future obligations under the Music Video Agreement.

The following are the steps you must take prior to your first day of travel, rehearsal or principal photography, whichever comes first (we recommend giving yourself at least three weeks).

Clip Board

PRE-PRODUCTION

Yes

Step 2

Required Documents

Please complete and submit the following documents at least three weeks prior to your first day of shooting:1) Preliminary Information Sheet2) Pre-Production Cast List3) Script/Treatment4) Budget (top sheet summary will suffice)

A SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will contact you within two business days to discuss your interest in becoming a signatory.

Envelope

PRE-PRODUCTION

Yes

Step 3

Required Documents

Complete and return the following five documents from your packet:1) Television Information Sheet2) Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Producers of Theatrical Motion Pictures3) Television Animation Agreement4) SAG-AFTRA-Producers Pension Plan Adherence Letters5) Television/Theatrical Production Checklist

If a record label is currently a signatory to the SAG-AFTRA Sound Recordings Code, they are also signed to the Music Video Agreement.

If the record label is not a signatory to the SAG-AFTRA Sound Recordings Code and you would like to apply to become a signatory on a One Production Only (OPO) basis, complete the Music Video Information Sheet.

Complete and return the following five documents from your packet:1) Television Information Sheet2) Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Producers of Theatrical Motion Pictures3) Television Live Action Agreement4) SAG-AFTRA-Producers Pension Plan Adherence Letters5) Television/Theatrical Production Checklist

Prior to hiring SAG-AFTRA members, there must be a SAG-AFTRA signatory attached to the project. The signatory is generally the owner of the material being produced and will remain financially responsible for any future obligations under the Sound Recordings Code.

If the company is currently signed to the Sound Recordings Code, please note that all vocal sessions are covered under this agreement. If you aren’t sure if the company is signatory, please call the Sound Recordings Department at (323) 634-8150 to verify.

If you would like to apply to become a signatory, complete the Sound Recordings Information Sheet.

Once your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative has reviewed your documents and you have signed the Letter of Adherence, you may begin the audition and hiring process. At auditions, an Exhibit E Sign-In Form must be made available and returned to the Commercials Department within 15 business days of the audition date.

NOTE: It’s very important that the information you provide in this step is consistent with the information previously submitted.

Clip Board

PRE-PRODUCTION

Yes

Step 4

The Information Sheet will be reviewed and you will be contacted by a SAG-AFTRA business representative.. If approved, we will provide you with the Music Video Agreement to sign. Please note the Music Video Agreement is a one-production only agreement and must be signed per project.

Business Rep

PRE-PRODUCTION

Yes

Step 4

Required Documents (cont.)

Also complete and submit documentation that indicates who is employing the performers:

A SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will contact you within 2-3 business days to let you know if your production qualifies for coverage under the New Media Agreement, and to explain the next steps to becoming a SAG-AFTRA Producer.

Do you have questions regarding what type of programs qualify for the New Media Agreement? Curious about what type of content falls under New Media’s jurisdiction? Unsure of insurance requirements? Check out the New Media FAQs for answers to commonly asked questions. Have a question not addressed in the FAQs? Give us a call at (323) 549-6446.

We also need to review any agreements you have that affect the ownership of the film and its story. These are called Chain of Title documents. Chain of Title documents usually include, but are not limited to, the following:

• A copy of Form PA or eCO (relating to the screenplay) and proof of its registration with the US Copyright Office (USCO)• All assignment agreements relating to the film and the underlying rights, including proof of filing each with USCO (For example, certificate(s) of authorship, “work made for hire” agreements, and copyright assignments); and• Copies of all distribution, license, and/or sales agency agreements pertaining to the right to distribute the Picture in all media and territories worldwide.

PRE-PRODUCTION

Yes

Step 6

Send your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative the following four required production documents:

1) Complete Pre-Production Cast List2) A copy of the shooting script3) Day Out of Days4) Line Item Budget

If any of the cast are not yet SAG-AFTRA members, you should submit the applicable Taft-Hartley Report, along with a head shot and resume, to the Commercials Department within 15 days after their work date.

On the actual shoot day(s), an on or off-camera principal performer is given an Exhibit A-1 Employment Contract and an extra is given an Exhibit A-2 Employment Contract. This contract contains information on hours of work, hours for fitting, pay rate, overtime, use type (seasonal, non-air demo, cable-only, etc.), and any special provisions that apply.

When all of the outlined requirements are fulfilled, your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will give your production “clearance,” allowing you to verify with the Union that the Performers and Background Actors you’ve hired for your project are in good standing and can work. This is referred to as the Station 12 clearance process.

When all of the outlined requirements are fulfilled, your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will give your production “clearance,” allowing you to verify with the Union that the Performers and Background Actors you’ve hired for your project are in good standing and can work. This is referred to as the Station 12 clearance process.

SAG-AFTRA offers a monthly New Media workshop in Los Angeles to give producers an in-depth look into the signatory process and answer all production questions you may have. Workshops are generally held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. For upcoming dates and to RSVP, please visit the Los Angeles Local events page

After the Session

Yes

Step 6

Payments must be made within 21 calendar days. Please send all talent checks (issued to each performer with proper tax deductions) as well as the health and retirement payment (issued to the AFTRA Retirement Fund) directly to the local office nearest where the work was performed.

Clip Board

PRE-PRODUCTION

Yes

Step 6

Send your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative the following four required production documents:

1) Complete Pre-Production Cast List; if you intend to use the Diversity-in-Casting Incentive, use the Pre-Production Cast List Diversity form.2) A copy of the shooting script3) Day Out of Days4) Line Item Budget

Business Rep

PRE-PRODUCTION

Yes

Step 7

Required Documents (cont.)Also complete and submit documentation that indicates who is employing the actors:

Once we’ve received and reviewed all of the applicable documents, your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will contact you and let you know what financial assurances are needed. Financial assurances usually include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) Security Deposit (in the form of a cashier’s check or wire transfer) and related Security Deposit Letter and W-9 form.2) Security Agreement3) Assumption Agreement(s)4) Intercreditor Agreement(s), if applicable5) And all other financial assurances that may be required, including, but not limited to, a Collection Agreement, Guaranty Agreement, and/or a Residuals Reserve and corresponding Custody Agreement.

PRE-PRODUCTION

Yes

Step 7

Once we’ve received and reviewed all of the applicable documents, your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will contact you and let you know the amount of the security deposit, which you must deliver to the union as follows:1) Security Deposit (cashier’s check or wire transfer)2) Security Deposit letter3) W-9 formComplete the fillable areas completely.

When all of these requirements are fulfilled, your Business Representative will give your production “clearance,” which will allow the performers you have cast to begin work.

Business Rep

Sign Online

PRE-PRODUCTION

Yes

Step 7

When all of the outlined requirements are fulfilled, your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will give your production “clearance,” allowing you to verify with the Union that the Performers and Background Actors you’ve hired for your project are in good standing and can work. This is referred to as the Station 12 clearance process.

Payment must be made to the performer within 15 business days of the session. The Pension & Health payment is made directly to the SAG -Producers Pension Plan in Burbank, CA. Specific information regarding this payment can be found on the Pension & Health Reporting Form.

If you have questions throughout any of the signatory process, please contact your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative at (323) 634-8150.

Thank you for working with SAG-AFTRA.

Business Rep

PRODUCTION

No

Step 7

During production, complete and submit to your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative Performer Contracts for Television Motion Pictures and, for each day of production, Production Time Report Forms (Exhibit G).

During production, complete and submit to your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative Performer Contracts for Television Motion Pictures and, for each day of production, Production Time Report Forms (Exhibit G).

If you have questions throughout any of the signatory process, please contact your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative at (323) 634-8150.

Thank you for working with SAG-AFTRA.

PRE-PRODUCTION

Yes

Step 7

We also need to review any agreements you have that affect the ownership of the film and its story. These are called Chain of Title documents. Chain of Title documents usually include, but are not limited to, the following:• A copy of Form PA or ECO (relating to the screenplay) and proof of its registration with the US Copyright Office (USCO)• Agreements for all assignments relating to the film and the underlying rights, including proof of filing each with USCO (For example, certificate(s) of authorship, “work made for hire” agreements, and copyright assignments); and• Copies of all distribution, license, and/or sales agency agreements pertaining to the right to distribute the Picture in all media and territories worldwide.

Business Rep

PRE-PRODUCTION

Yes

Step 8

Once we’ve received and reviewed all of the applicable documents, your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will contact you and let you know what financial assurances are needed. Financial assurances usually include, but are not limited to, the following:1) Security Deposit (in the form of a cashier’s check or wire transfer) and related Security Deposit Letter and W-9 form.2) Security Agreement3) Assumption Agreement(s)4) Intercreditor Agreement(s), if applicable5) And all other financial assurances that may be required, including, but not limited to, a Collection Agreement, Guaranty Agreement, and/or a Residuals Reserve and corresponding Custody Agreement.

PRE-PRODUCTION

Yes

Step 8

Send your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative the following four required production documents:

1) Complete Pre-Production Cast List; if you intend to use the Diversity-in-Casting Incentive, use the Pre-Production Cast List Diversity form.2) A copy of the shooting script3) Day Out of Days4) Line Item Budget

When all of these requirements are fulfilled, your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will give your production “clearance,” allowing you to verify with the Union that the Performers and Background Actors you’ve hired for your project are in good standing and can work. This is referred to as the Cast clearance process.

Business Rep

PRODUCTION

Yes

Step 8

Required DocumentsDuring production, complete and submit the following to your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative:1) Delivery of each week’s payroll checks to the Union: Itemized checks made payable to each performer must be delivered to your Business Representative no later than the Thursday following each payroll week.2) Delivery of each week’s total Pension and Health contributions: In addition to the payroll checks, you must deliver a check made payable to the SAG-AFTRA-Producers Pension Plan in the amount of the total Pension and Health contributions for the previous week’s payroll, accompanied by a completed Pension and Health Plans Theatrical Weekly Report of Contributions.

During production, complete and submit to your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative Performer Contracts for Television Motion Pictures and, for each day of production, Production Time Report Forms (Exhibit G).

At any point, please feel free to contact the Commercials Department with questions. We are here to assist you in ensuring that your experience with producing under the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract is a smooth and easy process.

Thank you for working with SAG-AFTRA.

PRODUCTION

No

Step 8

Working With Non-Union Members

If you are hiring a principal performer or background actor who is not yet a SAG-AFTRA member, you should submit the applicable Taft-Hartley Report to your Business Representative, along with a head shot and resume.

If you are hiring a principal performer or background actor who is not yet a SAG-AFTRA member, you should submit the applicable Taft-Hartley Report to your Business Representative, along with a head shot and resume.

When all of these requirements are fulfilled, your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will give your production “clearance,” allowing you to verify with the Union that the Performers and Background Actors you’ve hired for your project are in good standing and can work. This is referred to as the Cast clearance process.

We also need to review any agreements you have that affect the ownership of the film and its story. These are called Chain of Title documents. Chain of Title documents usually include, but are not limited to, the following:• A copy of Form PA or eCO (relating to the screenplay) and proof of its registration with the US Copyright Office (USCO)• All assignment agreements relating to the film and the underlying rights, including proof of filing each with USCO (For example, certificate(s) of authorship, “work made for hire” agreements, and copyright assignments); and• Copies of all distribution, license, and/or sales agency agreements pertaining to the right to distribute the Picture in all media and territories worldwide.

PRODUCTION

Yes

Step 9

During production, you will need to complete and submit SAG-AFTRA Performer Contracts and Production Time Report Forms (Exhibit G) to your SAG-AFTRA Representative.

If you are hiring a principal performer or background actor who is not yet a SAG-AFTRA member, you should submit the applicable Taft-Hartley Report to your Business Representative, along with a head shot and resume.

If you have any questions throughout any of the signatory process, please contact a SAG-AFTRA Business Representative at the number listed below.

Thank you for working with SAG-AFTRA!

Business Rep

And that’s it!

Yes

Step 10

If you have any questions throughout any of the signatory process, please contact a SAG-AFTRA Business Representative at the number listed below.

Thank you for working with SAG-AFTRA!

Business Rep

PRODUCTION

No

Step 10

Required Documents

During production, complete and submit the following to your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative:1) Delivery of each week’s payroll checks to the Union: Itemized checks made payable to each performer must be delivered to your Business Representative no later than the Thursday following each payroll week.2) Delivery of each week’s total Pension and Health contributions: In addition to the payroll checks, you must deliver a check made payable to the SAG-AFTRA-Producers Pension Plan in the amount of the total Pension and Health contributions for the previous week’s payroll, accompanied by a completed Pension and Health Plans Theatrical Weekly Report of Contributions.

PRE-PRODUCTION

Yes

Step 10

Once we’ve received and reviewed all of the applicable documents, your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will contact you and let you know what financial assurances are needed. Financial assurances usually include, but are not limited to, the following:

If you are hiring a principal performer or background actor who is not yet a SAG-AFTRA member, you should submit the applicable Taft-Hartley Report to your Business Representative, along with a head shot and resume.

4) Intercreditor Agreement(s), if applicable5) And all other financial assurances that may be required, including, but not limited to, a Collection Agreement, Guaranty Agreement, and/or a Residuals Reserve and corresponding Custody Agreement.

Complete the fillable areas completely (it is important that you do not leave any areas blank).

If you have any questions throughout any of the signatory process, please contact a SAG-AFTRA Business Representative at the number listed below.

Thank you for working with SAG-AFTRA!

Business Rep

Working With Non-SAG-AFTRA Members

No

Step 12

If you are hiring a principal performer or background actor who is not yet a SAG-AFTRA member, you should submit the applicable Taft-Hartley Report to your Business Representative, along with a head shot and resume.

When all of these requirements are fulfilled, your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative will give your production “clearance,” allowing you to verify with the Union that the Performers and Background Actors you’ve hired for your project are in good standing and can work. This is referred to as the Cast clearance process.

Business Rep

And that’s it!

No

Step 12

If you have any questions throughout any of the signatory process, please contact a SAG-AFTRA Business Representative at the number listed below.

Thank you for working with SAG-AFTRA!

Business Rep

POST-PRODUCTION

No

Step 13

After production, complete and submit the following to your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative:

Required DocumentsDuring production, complete and submit the following to your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative:1) Delivery of each week’s payroll checks to the Union: Itemized checks made payable to each performer must be delivered to your Business Representative no later than the Thursday following each payroll week.2) Delivery of each week’s total Pension and Health contributions: In addition to the payroll checks, you must deliver a check made payable to the SAG-AFTRA-Producers Pension Plan in the amount of the total Pension and Health contributions for the previous week’s payroll, accompanied by a completed Pension and Health Plans Theatrical Weekly Report of Contributions.

Business Rep

And that’s it!

No

Step 14

If you have any questions throughout the process, please contact your SAG-AFTRA Business Representative.

Thank you for working with SAG-AFTRA.

Business Rep

PRODUCTION

No

Step 14

Required Documents (cont’d)

3) SAG-AFTRA Performer Contracts for Modified Low Budget Theatrical Motion Pictures4) Complete a Production Time Report Form (Exhibit G) for each day of production.

If you are hiring a principal performer or background actor who is not yet a SAG-AFTRA member, you should submit the applicable Taft-Hartley Report to your Business Representative, along with a head shot and resume.